Adaptive clothing is revolutionizing comfort and accessibility for seniors across Florida, providing them with garments designed to enhance their quality of life. Joe & Bella, a leading provider of Florida adaptive wear, offers an extensive range of adaptive clothing specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults. This blog explores how adaptive clothing eases daily living for seniors, the variety of clothing options available, and the distinctive features of these garments. From magnetic closures to side-zip pants, Joe & Bella’s innovative solutions exemplify their commitment to making dressing easier and more comfortable for seniors in Florida.

How Does Adaptive Wear Help Seniors?

Adaptive wear is engineered with the specific needs of seniors in mind, focusing on ease of use, comfort, and maintaining independence. For many older individuals, conventional clothing can become a hassle due to mobility issues, arthritis, or other physical limitations. Adaptive clothing addresses these challenges by featuring designs that are easy to put on and take off, which reduces the strain on seniors and their caregivers. For instance, garments with front closures, elastic waistbands, and magnetic buttons allow individuals to dress themselves without assistance, fostering a sense of self-reliance and dignity. Many older adults, of course, don’t have a physical limitation, but are just experiencing the normal changes that come with age. For those individuals, adaptive clothing can be an extremely convenient luxury, providing an easier and simpler way to do something that can become tedious and pesky.

Adaptive Clothing Options in Florida

Joe and Bella offers a wide array of adaptive clothing options in Florida, with each item designed to address different needs and preferences. Here are some of the key categories and products available:

1. Adaptive Tops

Adaptive tops are designed for comfort and ease of dressing. Joe & Bella’s tops can facilitate easier dressing for those who dress independently and those who require assistance from another person. Popular options include:

• Everyday Magnetic Button-Down: These shirts eliminate the hassle of using small buttons by featuring hidden magnets behind decorative buttons. It’s even easy to “button” this shirt with one hand! Along with stretch fabric between the shoulders and cuffs, and availability in both classic fit and relaxed fit in multiple colors, this shirt promises to look and feel like the classic shirts you love to wear, with the added bonus of innovative easy-dressing features.
• Open-Back Shirts: Joe & Bella offers an open-back shirt for men and for women. As the name suggests, these shirts open in the back like a hospital gown to facilitate easy assisted-dressing. The wearer does not need to raise their arms over their head, reach behind their body for a sleeve, or squeeze their head into a hole. Secured with hidden snaps along a side seam, these shirts reduce pain, strain, and Stress associated with assisted dressing. The women’s shirt comes in purple, white and black and the men’s version looks just like a classic long-sleeve polo.

2. Adaptive Pants

Adaptive pants are another essential category, offering designs that cater to various mobility levels and dressing abilities. Each of the following pant styles are available for both men and women in a range of sizes and colors:

• Side-Zip Pants: These pants allow for easier access and more comfortable dressing with convenient side zippers that open the pants up from the waist to the knee. Crafted with premium and soft fabric, these are perfect for anyone looking for pants that promote mobility and independence.
• CareZips®: These pants, in addition to waist-to-knee side zippers, include a third inseam zipper that runs from the inside of one knee to the other. This zipper is perfect for gaining access to the area, whether it’s for using a male urinal, catheter, ostomy bag, incontinence product or for some other reason.
• Side-Zip Chinos: Joe & Bella’s most polished pant yet, these elevated pants look and feel just like a classic pair of chinos, but are chock full of easy-dressing features, including two waist-to-ankle side zippers. These zippers open from the top and bottom to make dressing easy even with a cast, brace, or shoes on. 

3. Adaptive Footwear & Undergarments

Footwear in adaptive fashion is crucial for safety and comfort. While there are a range of adaptive shoes available at various outlets, Joe & Bella focuses on socks! Our range includes:

• Everyday Gripper Socks: Ensuring safety across all indoor surfaces, Joe & Bella’s socks are equipped with silicone grippers on the sole to reduce the chances of slipping and falling. These are especially great for anyone who has tile or hardwood floors in their home.
• Easy-On Mobility Bra: This wireless, front-closing Easy-On Mobility Bra combines unparalleled comfort and support. Designed for versatility, it can be adjusted to various dressing preferences and needs! Equipped with numerous easy-dressing features, this bra simplifies the process of dressing, enhancing independence for its users.

What are Some Features of Adaptive Wear Clothing?

Adaptive clothing is designed with specialized features to meet the needs of individuals who face challenges with dressing due to age, disability, or other factors. Here are detailed explanations of the key features often found in adaptive wear:

1. Magnetic Closures

Magnetic closures replace traditional buttons and zippers, making garments easier to open and close. These enhanced features are particularly beneficial for individuals with limited hand dexterity, such as those with arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. Magnetic closures allow for quick and effortless dressing and undressing, enhancing the wearer’s independence. Magnets provide an easier “target” compared to buttons, and require much simpler motions to close. Shirts with magnetic buttons can even be closed with just one hand. Remember to consult with a doctor before using in case you have a pacemaker or some other implanted device.

2. Side Zip Pants

Side-zip pants feature zippers along the sides instead of the front, which can be easily accessed by the wearer or a caregiver. This design simplifies the process of changing clothes, especially for those who may need to dress while seated or lying down. The zippers open the waistband up especially wide; so, instead of having to shimmy and squeeze in a pair of pants, you can easily pull them up and wrap the waistband around you with minimal effort. These pants also provide more comfort around the waist, accommodating fluctuations in body size.

3. Snap-On Buttons

Snap-on buttons facilitate easier fastening and unfastening of shirts, trousers, and jackets. They are designed to snap together effortlessly, eliminating the need to struggle with small, fiddly buttons. This feature is ideal for those with neurological conditions that impair fine motor skills. Snaps are easier to use than buttons, but could still be more difficult for some people compared to magnets or Velcro. Snaps do require a bit of strength to open and close. Joe & Bella’s clothing typically employs snaps only on garments that are intended to be used with the assistance of another person.

4. Gripper Socks

Gripper socks have non-slip soles that help prevent falls by providing better grip on indoor surfaces. Usually these grips are made with silicone and are strategically placed to ensure both comfort and safety. They are crucial for maintaining safety, especially for seniors or anyone with balancing issues. The extra tread from the silicone grippers reduces the chances of slipping and falling on slick surfaces like tile and hardwood. They are a favorite of older adults who want to safely walk around their home. These socks often come in soft, breathable materials that also provide comfort throughout the day.

5. Open-Back Closures

Some adaptive clothing for seniors open in the back, like a hospital gown, making assisted dressing easier, safer and quicker. Depending on one’s abilities and conditions, independent dressing might not be possible; in those cases, clothes that open in the back simplify the assisted-dressing process for both the person wearing the clothes and the person helping them get dressed. Rear- or side-seam closures allow garments to be fully opened on one or both sides, enabling them to be placed around the wearer instead of pulled over the head. This feature is indispensable for individuals with severe mobility restrictions or for those who experience pain during movement.

6. Comfortable and Soft Fabric

Adaptive clothing is often made from fabrics that are gentle on the skin to prevent irritation. These fabrics are typically stretchable, breathable, and durable, providing comfort without compromising on quality. They accommodate body shapes and sizes while ensuring the wearer stays comfortable in various climatic conditions. Often they are constructed to reduce the amount of seams and tags that can cause potential irritation.

7. Disability Friendly 

Adaptive clothing takes into account the varied needs of individuals with disabilities, offering designs that are functional and fashionable. Features like adjustable hems, longer zipper pulls, and one-hand closures ensure that clothes are as practical as they are stylish. Some clothes are designed specifically for adults who spend most of their day seated. These clothes might include a raised waistband, shorter hems on pants and shirts to prevent bunching, and even angled and repositioned pockets that are easier to access.

8. Accessible Clothing 

Overall, adaptive clothing focuses on accessibility, making sure that each item is easy to wear and functional. The clothing is designed to be put on and taken off with minimal physical effort, reducing the strain on the wearer and potentially lowering the need for caregiver assistance. Some clothing is designed to provide easy access to certain locations on the body. Some shirts might have zippers near the shoulder, for example, for a PICC or IV line, while pants with inseam zippers provide easy access to catheters, male urinals, ostomy bags and incontinence products.

Things to Consider When Choosing Adaptive Wear

Choosing the right adaptive wear requires consideration of several factors to ensure the clothing meets the wearer’s needs effectively:

1. Accessibility Features

Make sure that the clothing you choose provides access where you need it. If you want clothes that provide a dignified experience at the doctor or with a physical trainer, consider which clothing options provide easy access.  

2. Comfort

Ensure that the clothing is made from soft, non-irritating fabrics, especially if the wearer has sensitive skin or spends extended periods seated or in bed. Comfort also extends to the fit of the garment, which should not restrict movement or cause discomfort. Review size charts carefully to ensure the right fit. You should also ensure that you will be comfortable based on the garment’s warmth.

3. Functionality

Consider the practical aspects of the clothing. It should serve the purpose for which it is intended, whether it’s easy removal for bathroom use, flexible sizing for weight fluctuations, or special features for medical access. ​​Evaluate how easily the wearer can use the clothing’s features independently. Look for garments with magnetic closures, Velcro fastenings, or large zippers that can be handled with ease. These features should align with the wearer’s abilities to self-dress. Because there are so many different types of adaptive clothing, make sure that the greatest needs are fully being addressed.

4. Sizing and Fit

Proper fit is crucial in adaptive clothing. Ill-fitting clothes can lead to discomfort, restricted movement, or even safety hazards like tripping. Ensure accurate measurements are taken and refer to the manufacturer’s sizing guides. Consider any changes in body size that might occur over time and choose adaptable clothing.

5. Adaptability

Clothing should be versatile enough to accommodate varying medical and physical needs. For instance, if the wearer has a temporary disability due to surgery, the clothing should be adjustable to accommodate changes in body shape or size during recovery. If the wearer occasionally uses incontinence products, the adaptive pants should accommodate the ability to wear pants with and without incontinence products.

6. Sensory Considerations

For individuals sensitive to textures, tags, or seams, it’s important to select clothing that minimizes sensory discomfort. Look for tagless clothes with flat seams and made from natural fibers that are less likely to irritate the skin. While many clothing companies are providing more seamless options, you might also have to consider “minimal seam” options.

Best Adaptive Wear Providers in Florida

When it comes to finding the best adaptive wear in Florida, Joe & Bella stands out for their dedication to quality, Innovation, and customer service. Their comprehensive range of adaptive clothing is designed with the user’s independence and dignity in mind. Whether you’re looking for everyday wear or specialized items, Joe & Bella’s website offers a user-friendly shopping experience with detailed product descriptions and sizing guides to help you make the right choice.

Conclusion 

Wearing adaptive clothing is an essential aspect of maintaining a high quality of life for seniors and those with disabilities, offering both functionality and style while promoting independence. As we have explored, the benefits of adaptive clothing are vast, encompassing enhanced safety features, ease of use, and comfort. Joe & Bella’s commitment to providing adaptive wear that meets the diverse needs of seniors in Florida is evident in their wide range of products and attention to detail in every garment. By choosing adaptive wear from reputable brands like Joe & Bella, seniors and their caregivers can enjoy a simpler, more comfortable daily routine. Remember, the right adaptive clothing not only addresses practicality but also upholds the dignity and style of the wearer, making it a crucial investment in the well-being of any senior.

Originally Published on https://joeandbella.com/blogs/news

Ben Graham Joe & Bella VP of Marketing

Ben Graham is the Vice President of Marketing at Joe & Bella, an adaptive-apparel company for older adults that focuses on creating innovative and fashionable apparel. Joe & Bella was recently awarded the “Most Innovative Older Adult Clothing Brand: 2022” by Global Health and “2022 Best New Apparel Brand” by Boomer Venture Summit. Joe & Bella’s first adaptive clothing line, CareZips, won the 2022 "Best New Product”award by Today’s Caregiver Magazine and Caregiver.com. Ben was previously Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Collaborata, an innovative marketing-research firm that brought corporate partners together to find solutions to business problems. Collaborata focuses on topics including caregiving, aging, diversity, and equity with clients such as AARP, Procter & Gamble, Bank of America, Target, and Nike. Ben spent many years, together with his family, providing care for his two grandparents who lived for nearly a decade in assisted living and memory care.